ABOVE: St Pete Pride’s 2021 FrankenPride. Photo via St Pete Pride’s Facebook.
ST. PETERSBURG | Halloween on Central will return Oct. 30 along Central Ave., featuring 22 blocks of activities and entertainment organized by, for or inclusive of the LGBTQ community.
Halloween on Central 2 is presented by SunRunner, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s new Bus Rapid Transit service launching Oct. 21, in partnership with the Grand Central District, EDGE District, St Pete Pride, City of St. Pete and PSTA. Last year’s inaugural outing far exceeded expectations.
“After a very successful event last year, with nearly 75,000 people attending, we are excited to further enhance accessibility to this year’s event with the opening of the SunRunner,” Grand Central District Association Executive Director David Foote announced in August.
From 12-5 p.m., attendees will have access to nearly two miles of the city along Central Ave., from 9th (Dr. MLK Jr. St.) to 31st. Local businesses will offer full access and Halloween-themed fun.
This year’s Trick or Treat sponsors include Come OUT St. Pete, Metro Inclusive Health and St Pete Pride. COSP will be responsible for the 28-30th St. blocks, hosting vendors and entertainment. “Last year there was an overwhelming turn out and we’re expecting even more this year,” COSP Chair Chris Jones teases.
Metro is expected to utilize its LGBTQ Welcome Center on Central Ave., transforming the space into a Haunted House, while St Pete Pride will be responsible for the 24th-25th St. blocks. They will once again present the LGBTQ-centric FrankenPride.
“St Pete Pride is excited to be a presenting partner for Halloween on Central because the opportunity for self-expression is core to our mission and something to be celebrated,” St Pete Pride Executive Director Nicole Berman says. “We value the LGBTQ+ community’s right to freely express themselves without fear of reprisal and are thrilled to participate in events that allow for that, especially ones that are youth and family focused.”
LGBTQ hotspots along Central Ave. will also prominently feature this year, including Cocktail and The Wet Spot, which will hold its grand opening Halloween weekend. LGBTQ rapper Cazwell and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Aiden Zhane will headline their second annual Cock-O-Ween festivities.
Zoie’s, which is currently eyeing a grand opening of its own, is expected to present a Halloween 2022 Bash featuring “Dragula” winner Biqtch Puddin, “Drag Race” finalist Angeria Paris Van Michaels and more. Enigma will also offer entertainment, as will other LGBTQ and ally spaces.
“We hope visitors and residents from all over the county are able to experience St. Pete’s biggest Halloween celebration,” Foote also shared.
Halloween on Central 2 will be held Oct. 30 from 12-5 p.m. along Central Ave. in St. Petersburg. Visit HalloweenOnCentral2.com to learn more.
